The summer solstice 2026 occurs on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at 08:24 UTC, marking the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and the shortest day in the Southern Hemisphere.
At this moment, Earth’s Northern Hemisphere is tilted at its maximum angle of 23.5 degrees toward the sun, positioning the sun directly above the Tropic of Cancer (23.5° North latitude).
In the Northern Hemisphere, June 21, 2026, is the first day of astronomical summer. In the Southern Hemisphere, it is the first day of astronomical winter.
| Key Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, June 21, 2026 |
| Exact time | 08:24 UTC |
| Northern Hemisphere | Summer solstice; longest day of the year |
| Southern Hemisphere | Winter solstice; shortest day of the year |
| Sun position | Directly above Tropic of Cancer (23.5° North) |
| Earth’s axial tilt | Astronomical season starts |
| Astronomical season start | Summer (NH) / Winter (SH) |
| Day of week | Sunday |
| Notable 2026 overlap | Father’s Day (US, UK, Canada, and others) |
| Moon phase on June 21 | The astronomical season starts |
Table of Contents
When Is the Summer Solstice 2026? – Date and Exact Time by Time Zone
The summer solstice 2026 occurs on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at 08:24 UTC — a single astronomical moment observed simultaneously worldwide. Local time varies by time zone, but the date remains June 21 in all major world regions.
| Time Zone | Location | Local Time on June 21, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| UTC (Greenwich Mean Time) | UK (winter) / reference | 08:24 AM |
| BST (UTC+1) | United Kingdom (summer) | 09:24 AM |
| CET (UTC+2) | Central Europe (summer) | 10:24 AM |
| EET (UTC+3) | Eastern Europe / East Africa | 11:24 AM |
| IST (UTC+5:30) | India | 1:54 PM |
| CST (UTC+8) | China, Singapore, Philippines | 4:24 PM |
| JST (UTC+9) | Japan, Korea | 5:24 PM |
| AEST (UTC+10) | Eastern Australia | 6:24 PM |
| NZST (UTC+12) | New Zealand | 8:24 PM |
| EDT (UTC−4) | Eastern US / Canada | 4:24 AM |
| CDT (UTC−5) | Central US | 3:24 AM |
| MDT (UTC−6) | Mountain US | 2:24 AM |
| PDT (UTC−7) | Pacific US | 1:24 AM |
| BRT (UTC−3) | Brazil | 5:24 AM |
| WAT (UTC+1) | West Africa (Nigeria, Ghana) | 9:24 AM |
The solstice occurs on Sunday, June 21, 2026, in every listed time zone above. No major world region experiences the solstice on a different calendar date in 2026. Eastern US observers note that 4:24 AM EDT places the solstice moment in the pre-dawn hours on June 21 — the same date.
Is the Summer Solstice Always on June 21?
No. The summer solstice (Northern Hemisphere) falls on June 20, 21, or 22, depending on the year. The variation results from the mismatch between Earth’s 365.25-day orbital period and the 365-day calendar year. Leap years shift the solstice date earlier by approximately six hours.
In 2026, the solstice falls on June 21.
| Year | Summer Solstice Date (NH) | UTC Time |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Thursday, June 20, 2024 | 20:51 UTC |
| 2025 | Saturday, June 21, 2025 | 02:42 UTC |
| 2026 | Sunday, June 21, 2026 | 08:24 UTC |
| 2027 | Monday, June 21, 2027 | 14:11 UTC |
| 2028 | Wednesday, June 20, 2028 | 20:02 UTC |
What Is the Summer Solstice? – Science and Definition
The summer solstice is the astronomical moment when one of Earth’s poles reaches its maximum tilt toward the sun. For the Northern Hemisphere, this occurs in June. For the Southern Hemisphere, it occurs in December.
The Science Behind the Longest Day of the Year 2026
The longest day of the year occurs on the summer solstice because Earth’s axial tilt of 23.5 degrees causes one hemisphere to receive the maximum possible direct solar radiation. On June 21, 2026, the sun reaches its highest point in the sky for the year at all Northern Hemisphere locations, crossing the sky along its longest arc from northeast to northwest.
At the exact moment of the solstice, the sun is positioned directly above the Tropic of Cancer (23.5° North latitude). This is the farthest north the sun ever appears in Earth’s sky. Locations on or near the Tropic of Cancer — including southern Mexico, the Sahara Desert, Saudi Arabia, India, and southern China — experience the sun directly overhead at solar noon on this date.
| The moment when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky at a given location; the longest solar arc of the year on the solstice | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Axial tilt | Earth’s rotational axis is tilted 23.5 degrees relative to its orbital plane |
| Tropic of Cancer | 23.5° North latitude; the sun is directly overhead at solar noon on the NH summer solstice |
| Solar declination | The sun’s angular distance north or south of the celestial equator; reaches +23.5° at the NH summer solstice |
| Solar noon | The moment when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky at a given location; longest solar arc of the year on solstice |
| Day length variation | The moment when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky at a given location, the longest solar arc of the year on the solstice |
Astronomical Summer vs. Meteorological Summer
Astronomical summer begins on the summer solstice (June 21, 2026) and ends at the autumnal equinox (September 22 or 23, 2026). Meteorological summer — used by climate scientists and national weather services — begins on June 1 and ends on August 31, regardless of the solstice date. Meteorologists use meteorological seasons because they align with temperature patterns and simplify monthly climate data comparison.
| Season Type | Summer Start | Summer End | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Astronomical | June 21, 2026 | September 22 or 23, 2026 | Earth’s position in orbit; axial tilt relative to sun |
| Meteorological | June 1, 2026 | August 31, 2026 | Earth’s position in orbit, axial tilt relative to the sun |
How Many Hours of Daylight on the Summer Solstice 2026?
Daylight duration on Sunday, June 21, 2026, ranges from approximately 12 hours at the equator to 24 continuous hours above the Arctic Circle. The exact number of daylight hours at any location depends on its latitude. Higher northern latitudes receive more daylight.
| Location | Latitude | Approx. Daylight Hours on June 21, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Arctic Circle | 66.5° N | 24 hours (midnight sun) |
| Reykjavik, Iceland | 64.1° N | ~21 hours 8 minutes |
| Oslo, Norway | 59.9° N | ~18 hours 50 minutes |
| Helsinki, Finland | 60.2° N | ~18 hours 55 minutes |
| Stockholm, Sweden | 59.3° N | ~18 hours 37 minutes |
| Edinburgh, Scotland | 55.9° N | ~17 hours 30 minutes |
| London, UK | 51.5° N | ~16 hours 38 minutes |
| Berlin, Germany | 52.5° N | ~16 hours 49 minutes |
| Paris, France | 48.9° N | ~16 hours 7 minutes |
| New York, USA | 40.7° N | ~15 hours 8 minutes |
| Chicago, USA | 41.8° N | ~15 hours 14 minutes |
| Los Angeles, USA | 34.1° N | ~14 hours 26 minutes |
| Lagos, Nigeria | 6.5° N | ~12 hours 24 minutes |
| Accra, Ghana | 5.6° N | ~12 hours 22 minutes |
| Nairobi, Kenya | 1.3° S | ~12 hours 9 minutes |
| Equator | 0° | ~12 hours 7 minutes |
| São Paulo, Brazil | 23.5° S | ~10 hours 45 minutes |
| Sydney, Australia | 33.9° S | ~9 hours 54 minutes |
| Wellington, New Zealand | 41.3° S | ~9 hours 28 minutes |
| Ushuaia, Argentina | 54.8° S | ~7 hours 50 minutes |
Daylight duration decreases symmetrically south of the equator on this date, reaching its minimum near the Antarctic Circle.
Why Is the Latest Sunset NOT on the Summer Solstice?
The latest sunset of the year does not occur on the summer solstice. At mid-latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere, the latest sunset typically falls approximately 1–2 weeks after the solstice. In New York, the latest sunset occurs from Friday, June 26, to Saturday, June 27. In London, it falls around Saturday, June 27, to Sunday, June 28.
This apparent paradox results from the equation of time — the difference between apparent solar time and mean solar time — caused by Earth’s elliptical orbit and axial tilt. The sun’s daily east-west position at noon varies throughout the year, shifting the time of both sunrise and sunset independently. On the solstice, the day is longest in total duration, but the clock time of sunset continues shifting slightly later for several days afterward.
| Location | Approximate Date of Latest Sunset 2026 | Days After Solstice |
|---|---|---|
| New York, USA (40.7° N) | Friday, June 26 – Saturday, June 27, 2026 | 5–6 days |
| London, UK (51.5° N) | Saturday, June 27 – Sunday, June 28, 2026 | 6–7 days |
| Los Angeles, USA (34.1° N) | Wednesday, June 24 – Friday, June 26, 2026 | 3–5 days |
Summer Solstice 2026 – Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere
The same astronomical moment — Sunday, June 21, 2026, at 08:24 UTC — marks opposite seasonal events for the two hemispheres. Northern Hemisphere locations experience their summer solstice (first day of summer, longest day). Southern Hemisphere locations experience their winter solstice (first day of winter, shortest day) simultaneously.
| Feature | Northern Hemisphere (June 21, 2026) | Southern Hemisphere (June 21, 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Season beginning | Summer | Winter |
| Daylight duration | Maximum for the year | Minimum for the year |
| Sun’s path across sky | Highest arc; longest | Lowest arc; shortest |
| Cultural celebration | Summer festivals; Midsummer; Litha | Winter solstice rituals; Matariki (Māori) |
| Countries affected | USA, UK, Europe, Canada, China, Japan, India | Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, South America |
For Southern Hemisphere observers, June 21, 2026, is the winter solstice — not the summer solstice. Searches for “summer solstice June 2026” from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, or South America reflect winter solstice intent. In these regions, the summer solstice occurs in December, with the Southern Hemisphere summer solstice 2026 falling in December 2026.
Winter Solstice 2026 – Southern Hemisphere
For the Southern Hemisphere, Sunday, June 21, 2026, is the winter solstice — the shortest day and longest night of the year. The moment is identical to the Northern Hemisphere summer solstice at 08:24 UTC, but the seasonal experience is reversed.
Cultural observances of the Southern Hemisphere winter solstice on this date include:
- Matariki (Māori New Year): The Māori New Year in New Zealand is connected to the rising of the Matariki star cluster (Pleiades) in midwinter, which occurs in the weeks around the winter solstice. Matariki became a New Zealand public holiday in 2022
- Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun): Celebrated in Peru and Andean communities around June 24, approximately coinciding with the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere. The festival honors Inti, the Inca sun deity, at the point when the sun is farthest from the Southern Hemisphere
- Yule in Southern Hemisphere Pagan traditions: Southern Hemisphere practitioners of Neopagan traditions observe Yule (the midwinter sabbat) at the June solstice, inverting the Northern Hemisphere’s calendar
Summer Solstice 2026 and Father’s Day – Sunday, June 21
Sunday, June 21, 2026, coincides with Father’s Day in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and most other countries that observe Father’s Day on the third Sunday of June. This is a relatively uncommon alignment — Father’s Day falls on the summer solstice only when the third Sunday of June coincides with June 21.
Father’s Day is observed on the third Sunday of June in the following countries: the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, Ireland, the Netherlands, Pakistan, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.
In 2026, Father’s Day and the summer solstice share the same date:
| Event | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| Father’s Day (US, UK, Canada, Australia, and others) | June 21, 2026 | Sunday |
| Summer Solstice 2026 | June 21, 2026 | Sunday |
| Astronomical solstice moment | June 21, 2026 | 08:24 UTC |
The alignment creates a 15+ hour daylight window for outdoor activities across the Northern Hemisphere.f
Summer Solstice 2026 at Stonehenge
Stonehenge is the most visited summer solstice site in the world, managed by English Heritage in Wiltshire, England. The monument is constructed with astronomical precision: the Heel Stone and the central axis of Stonehenge align with sunrise on the summer solstice. On Sunday, June 21, 2026, the sun rises along this alignment at approximately 04:52 AM BST at the Stonehenge site.
How to Attend Stonehenge Summer Solstice 2026
English Heritage operates a Managed Open Access event for the summer solstice, allowing the public free entry to the stone circle itself — not the standard ticketed viewing area — on the sunrise of the solstice. Standard ticket barriers are removed for the overnight gathering.
Key practical information for attending on Sunday, June 21, 2026:
- Arrival time: English Heritage recommends arriving by 2:00–3:00 AM BST to secure access before crowds peak near dawn
- Parking: The Stonehenge visitor car park is closed for the overnight solstice event. Attendees are directed to park in Amesbury (approximately 3 km from the stones) or use organized coach transport from Salisbury
- Prohibited items: Glass bottles, alcohol, and open flames are prohibited within the stone circle. These restrictions apply regardless of cultural practice
- Public transport: Wiltshire Council and English Heritage typically organize shuttle bus services from Salisbury station for the solstice event — check English Heritage’s official announcements (english-heritage.org.uk) closer to the date for 2026 shuttle details
- Event format: No tickets required for solstice access. The site opens for overnight gathering approximately at midnight BST on June 20–21 and closes to solstice visitors around mid-morning June 21 after sunrise
- Photography: All personal photography is permitted. Professional photography requiring equipment may require advance press registration with English Heritage
| Stonehenge Solstice 2026 Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Sunrise time at Stonehenge | Approx. 04:52 AM BST (Sunday, June 21, 2026) |
| Parking location | Amesbury (approx. 3 km away); on-site car park closed |
| Entry cost for solstice access | Free (Managed Open Access) |
| Prohibited items | Glass bottles, alcohol, open flames |
| Recommended arrival | 2:00–3:00 AM BST |
| Managing organization | English Heritage |
| Sunset restriction | Solstice sunset access is not offered; sunrise only |
Stonehenge and the Altar Stone – Astronomical Alignment
The Altar Stone at Stonehenge is positioned along the northeast axis of the monument, which aligns with the sunrise direction on the summer solstice. Astronomical archaeologists have confirmed that the solstice alignment was intentional — a finding supported by research published in the journal Antiquity and work conducted by the University of Oxford’s Archaeoastronomy research program.
The precise alignment of the Heel Stone with solstice sunrise has been measured to within 0.25 degrees of the current sunrise azimuth, accounting for the slow drift in Earth’s axial tilt over the 5,000 years since Stonehenge’s construction.
Scandinavian Midsummer 2026 – Dates and Distinction from the Solstice
Scandinavian Midsummer is not observed on the astronomical solstice date. Sweden, Finland, and Norway celebrate Midsummer over the weekend closest to June 21, not on June 21 itself. In 2026, this creates a three-day window around the solstice.
| Country | Event | 2026 Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sweden | Midsommarafton (Midsummer Eve) | Friday, June 19, 2026 | National holiday; maypole dancing, herring feast |
| Sweden | Midsommardagen (Midsummer Day) | Saturday, June 20, 2026 | Statutory holiday; continued celebrations |
| Finland | Juhannusaatto (Midsummer Eve) | Friday, June 19, 2026 | Public holiday; bonfires |
| Finland | Juhannus (Midsummer Day) | Saturday, June 20, 2026 | Public holiday |
| Norway | Sankthansaften / Jonsok | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 | Saint John’s Eve; bonfires; not a public holiday |
| Astronomical solstice | Summer solstice 2026 | Sunday, June 21, 2026 | Global astronomical event |
Travelers planning to attend Swedish or Finnish Midsummer celebrations in 2026 should note that the primary public holidays fall on Friday, June 19, and Saturday, June 20 — not on Sunday, June 21. The astronomical solstice occurs after the main Midsummer celebrations in these countries.
Litha – Pagan and Wiccan Summer Solstice 2026
Litha is the Neopagan and Wiccan name for the summer solstice, observed as one of eight sabbats (seasonal festivals) in the Wheel of the Year. The Wheel of the Year divides the annual cycle into eight equally spaced observances, alternating between solstices and equinoxes (the “quarter days”) and the cross-quarter days between them.
In 2026, Litha falls on Sunday, June 21, 2026 — the same date as the astronomical summer solstice at 08:24 UTC.
| Wheel of the Year Sabbat | 2026 Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Imbolc | Saturday, February 1, 2026 | Cross-quarter day |
| Ostara (Spring Equinox) | Friday, March 20, 2026 | Quarter day |
| Beltane | Friday, May 1, 2026 | Cross-quarter day |
| Litha (Summer Solstice) | Sunday, June 21, 2026 | Quarter day |
| Lughnasadh / Lammas | Saturday, August 1, 2026 | Cross-quarter day |
| Mabon (Autumn Equinox) | September 22 or 23, 2026 | Quarter day |
| Samhain | Saturday, October 31, 2026 | Cross-quarter day |
| Yule (Winter Solstice) | December 21 or 22, 2026 | Quarter day |
Litha Traditions and Observances
Litha observances in Neopagan and Wiccan traditions center on the sun’s peak power, marking the height of light before the gradual return of darkness following the solstice. Common traditional practices associated with Litha include:
- Bonfires lit at sunset or overnight, a practice documented in European midsummer folklore from at least the medieval period
- Herbs gathered on the solstice — including St. John’s Wort, lavender, chamomile, and elderflower — are considered to hold maximum potency at solar peak, as recorded in European herbalist traditions
- Sunrise observation, with particular attention to the sun’s most northeasterly rising point
- Outdoor gatherings, feasting, and decoration with summer flowers and oak leaves (the oak tree holds significance in Druidic tradition at this time of year)
The term “Litha” appears in Bede’s 8th-century work De Temporum Ratione (On the Reckoning of Time), where he records the Anglo-Saxon names for the summer months as “Lida” (mild or navigable). The name was adopted into modern Neopagan usage in the 20th century following Gerald Gardner’s systematization of Wicca in the 1940s–1950s.
Summer Solstice 2026 – Planetary Visibility and Sky Events
Sunday, June 21, 2026, offers exceptional planetary viewing in the evening sky, with Venus and Jupiter prominent in the west-northwest after sunset and Mercury visible low on the horizon.
Planets Visible on June 21, 2026
| Planet | Visibility | Direction | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Venus | 1–3 hours after sunset | West-Northwest | Brightest object in evening sky; visible to naked eye |
| Jupiter | Sunset until ~11:00 PM local | West-Northwest | Bright white; binoculars show four Galilean moons |
| Mercury | 45 minutes after sunset | Very low West | Faint; best visibility around June 22; requires clear horizon |
| Saturn | After 1:00 AM local until dawn | East-Southeast | Yellowish-white; rings visible with binoculars |
| Mars | After 3:30 AM local until dawn | Low East | The brightest object in the evening sky; visible to the naked eye |
Venus-Jupiter Proximity in June 2026
Venus and Jupiter are in close visual proximity during June 2026, reaching their tightest apparent separation of approximately 1 degree around June 9, 2026. By the solstice on June 21, they have separated slightly but remain visually paired in the west-northwestern evening sky. At 1 degree separation, both planets fit within the field of view of most binoculars simultaneously.
On Wednesday, June 17, 2026, a notable alignment occurs in the western evening sky: the Waxing Crescent Moon, Venus, Jupiter, and Mercury are all simultaneously visible in the twilight, forming a diagonal line from lower right to upper left as seen from the Northern Hemisphere. This grouping is observable approximately 30–60 minutes after local sunset.
The Moon on Summer Solstice 2026
The moon phase on Sunday, June 21, 2026, is the Waxing Crescent at approximately 31% illumination, one day before the First Quarter. The crescent moon sets in the evening, leaving the late-night and pre-dawn sky dark for deep-sky observation.
Summer Solstice 2026 – Cultural and Indigenous Celebrations
Multiple cultures worldwide observe the summer solstice through distinct traditions, many predating written historical records. The following are among the most significant solstice observances globally.
| Tradition | Culture / Region | Key Practices |
|---|---|---|
| Stonehenge gathering | UK / international | Overnight gathering; sunrise alignment viewing; free open access |
| Midsommar | Sweden | Maypole (midsommarstång), herring feast, floral wreaths, folk dancing |
| Juhannus | Finland | Bonfires (juhannuskokko), sauna bathing, outdoor gatherings |
| Inti Raymi | Peru / Andean (Southern Hemisphere) | Festival of the Sun; observed June 24; honors Inca sun deity |
| Matariki | New Zealand (Māori) | Winter solstice connection; Pleiades star cluster rising; public holiday since 2022 |
| Alban Hefin | Druidic tradition | Oak tree veneration; solstice sunrise observation; fire ceremonies |
| Litha | Wiccan / Neopagan | Bonfires; herb gathering; Wheel of the Year sabbat |
| Geshi (夏至) | Japan | Solstice marked astronomically; traditional foods include octopus in western Japan |
| Ivan Kupala Night | Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Belarus | June 23–24; bonfire jumping; floral garland floating on water |
| Feast of Saint John | Catholic / Orthodox / multiple | Bonfires (juhannuskokko), sauna bathing, and outdoor gatherings |
How the Summer Solstice Works – Earth’s Axial Tilt Explained
The summer solstice occurs because Earth orbits the sun while tilted on its axis at 23.5 degrees. This tilt does not change direction during Earth’s annual orbit. For approximately half of the year, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the sun; for the other half, it tilts away.
The sequence of Earth’s annual position and resulting seasonal events in 2026:
- March 20, 2026 – Vernal Equinox: Earth is positioned so neither hemisphere tilts toward the sun. Day and night are approximately equal in duration globally. Northern Hemisphere spring begins; Southern Hemisphere autumn begins
- June 21, 2026 – Summer Solstice (08:24 UTC): Northern Hemisphere reaches maximum tilt toward the sun. The sun is directly above the Tropic of Cancer. Longest day in the North; shortest day in the South
- September 22 or 23, 2026 – Autumnal Equinox: Neither hemisphere tilts toward the sun again. Day and night approximately equal. Northern Hemisphere autumn begins; Southern Hemisphere spring begins
- December 21 or 22, 2026 – Winter Solstice: Southern Hemisphere reaches maximum tilt toward the sun. The sun is directly above the Tropic of Capricorn. Shortest day in the North; longest day in the South
| Solstice / Equinox | 2026 Date | NH Season | SH Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vernal Equinox | Friday, March 20, 2026 | Spring begins | Autumn begins |
| Summer Solstice | Sunday, June 21, 2026 | Summer begins | Winter begins |
| Autumnal Equinox | September 22 or 23, 2026 | Autumn begins | Spring begins |
| Winter Solstice | December 21 or 22, 2026 | Winter begins | Summer begins |
Summer Solstice vs. Winter Solstice
The summer and winter solstices are the two annual points of maximum axial tilt, occurring six months apart. The June solstice is the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere and the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere. The December solstice reverses this.
| Feature | Summer Solstice 2026 (NH) | Winter Solstice 2026 (NH) |
|---|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, June 21, 2026 | December 21 or 22, 2026 |
| Sun position | Above Tropic of Cancer (23.5° N) | Above Tropic of Capricorn (23.5° S) |
| Daylight (NH) | Maximum | Minimum |
| Sun’s arc across sky (NH) | Highest, longest | Lowest, shortest |
| SH experience | Winter solstice | Sun’s arc across the sky (NH) |
Summer Solstice vs. Spring Equinox
The summer solstice and spring equinox are distinct astronomical events separated by approximately 92–93 days. At the spring equinox, neither hemisphere is tilted toward the sun, producing approximately equal day and night. At the summer solstice, the Northern Hemisphere is at maximum tilt, producing the longest day.
| Feature | Spring Equinox 2026 (NH) | Summer Solstice 2026 (NH) |
|---|---|---|
| Date | Friday, March 20, 2026 | Sunday, June 21, 2026 |
| Days apart | — | 93 days |
| Sun position | Directly above equator (0°) | Directly above Tropic of Cancer (23.5° N) |
| Day/night | Approximately equal (~12 hours each) | Longest day, shortest night of year |
| NH season | Spring begins | Longest day, shortest night of the year |
Summer Solstice 2026 Sunrise and Sunset Times by City
Sunrise and sunset times on Sunday, June 21, 2026, vary by latitude and longitude. All times are approximate local times for the solstice date.
| City | Approx. Sunrise | Approx. Sunset | Daylight Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reykjavik, Iceland | 2:55 AM | 12:04 AM (+1 day) | ~21 hours 8 minutes |
| Oslo, Norway | 3:53 AM | 10:43 PM | ~18 hours 50 minutes |
| London, UK | 4:43 AM | 9:21 PM | ~16 hours 38 minutes |
| Paris, France | 5:47 AM | 9:58 PM | ~16 hours 11 minutes |
| New York, USA | 5:25 AM | 8:31 PM | ~15 hours 8 minutes |
| Chicago, USA | 5:15 AM | 8:29 PM | ~15 hours 14 minutes |
| Los Angeles, USA | 5:42 AM | 8:08 PM | ~14 hours 26 minutes |
| Toronto, Canada | 5:36 AM | 8:58 PM | ~15 hours 22 minutes |
| Lagos, Nigeria | 6:21 AM | 6:45 PM | ~12 hours 24 minutes |
| Accra, Ghana | 6:03 AM | 6:25 PM | ~12 hours 22 minutes |
| Nairobi, Kenya | 6:32 AM | 6:41 PM | ~12 hours 9 minutes |
| Mumbai, India | 6:03 AM | 7:21 PM | ~13 hours 18 minutes |
| Tokyo, Japan | 4:25 AM | 7:01 PM | ~14 hours 35 minutes |
| Beijing, China | 4:46 AM | 7:46 PM | ~15 hours 0 minutes |
| Sydney, Australia | 7:01 AM | 5:00 PM | ~9 hours 59 minutes |
| Buenos Aires, Argentina | 7:53 AM | 5:48 PM | ~9 hours 55 minutes |
Summer Solstice 2026 Meaning – Cultural and Spiritual Significance
The summer solstice has held cultural and spiritual significance across documented human history, with observances recorded from ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, Rome, and Indigenous civilizations of the Americas.
Historical Solar Worship
Archaeological evidence confirms intentional solstice alignment in structures built thousands of years before written history. Stonehenge (constructed approximately 3000–1500 BCE) aligns with the solstice sunrise. Newgrange in Ireland (approximately 3200 BCE) aligns with the winter solstice sunrise. The Pyramid of Kukulcán at Chichén Itzá in Mexico produces a shadow serpent effect at both equinoxes. These structures demonstrate that solstice observation was a technological and cultural priority across multiple independent civilizations.
The Egyptian calendar year was calibrated to the heliacal rising of Sirius, which approximately coincided with the summer solstice. The Greek festival of Kronia honored the god Cronus (Saturn) at midsummer. Rome observed the Vestalia festival in June, associated with the Vestal Virgins and sacred fire.
Summer Solstice Spiritual Meaning in Modern Practice
The following spiritual and symbolic meanings are attributed to the summer solstice in Western cultural and metaphysical traditions:
| Peak of light/solar power | Cultural Association |
|---|---|
| Peak of light / solar power | General Western; Druidic tradition |
| Abundance and growth | Agricultural traditions; Neopagan Wheel of the Year |
| Courage and visibility | Modern spiritual practice |
| Balance of inner and outer life | Jungian and modern wellness traditions |
| Transition and turning point | All traditions; light begins declining after solstice |
The awareness that daylight begins decreasing after the summer solstice — despite the days remaining warm through summer — is documented across global traditions as a paradox of the season: the sun reaches its peak at the moment its duration begins to shorten.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Summer Solstice 2026
When is the summer solstice in 2026?
The summer solstice 2026 occurs on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at 08:24 UTC. In the United States (Eastern Time), this is 4:24 AM EDT on Sunday, June 21. In the UK, it is 9:24 AM BST on the same date.
What is the longest day of the year in 2026?
Sunday, June 21, 2026, is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. Daylight ranges from approximately 15 hours 8 minutes in New York to 16 hours 38 minutes in London and 21 hours 8 minutes in Reykjavik, Iceland.
Is the summer solstice the first day of summer?
Yes, for astronomical summer. The summer solstice on June 21, 2026, marks the first day of astronomical summer in the Northern Hemisphere. Meteorological summer begins earlier, on June 1, and is used by weather services and climate scientists.
Does the summer solstice happen at the same time for everyone?
Yes. The astronomical moment of solstice is simultaneous worldwide — 08:24 UTC on June 21, 2026. However, local clock time varies by time zone. In New York, it occurs at 4:24 AM EDT. In Tokyo, it occurs at 5:24 PM JST. The calendar date is June 21 in all time zones.
What happens on the summer solstice?
Earth’s Northern Hemisphere reaches its maximum axial tilt toward the sun, causing the sun to trace its longest and highest arc across the sky. The sun rises at its most northeasterly point, reaches its highest noon elevation of the year, and sets at its most northwesterly point. The result is the longest period of daylight and the shortest period of darkness for the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
Is the summer solstice the same as Midsummer?
Midsummer and the summer solstice share June 21 as the astronomical reference point, but are not identical in celebration timing. In Sweden and Finland, Midsummer is celebrated over the weekend nearest June 21. In 2026, Midsummer Eve falls on Friday, June 19, and Midsummer Day on Saturday, June 20, before the astronomical solstice on Sunday, June 21.
What is Father’s Day 2026, and when is it?
Father’s Day 2026 is on Sunday, June 21, 2026, the same date as the summer solstice. Father’s Day is observed on the third Sunday of June in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and most other countries that celebrate it.
What is the summer solstice in the Southern Hemisphere?
For the Southern Hemisphere, June 21, 2026, is the winter solstice — the shortest day and longest night of the year. Southern Hemisphere countries, including Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Argentina, experience their summer solstice in December.
Is there a solar or lunar eclipse at the summer solstice 2026?
No. There is no solar or lunar eclipse coinciding with the June 21, 2026, summer solstice. The next total solar eclipse occurs in August 2026. The previous total lunar eclipse was on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
Is the summer solstice always June 21?
No. The Northern Hemisphere summer solstice falls on June 20, 21, or 22, depending on the year. The date shifts due to the 365.25-day orbital year and the calendar’s 365-day year. In 2026, it falls on June 21.
Summer Solstice 2026 – Quick Reference Summary
| Following the summer solstice | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, June 21, 2026 |
| Exact time | 08:24 UTC |
| Eastern US (EDT) | 4:24 AM |
| UK (BST) | 9:24 AM |
| Central Europe (CEST) | 10:24 AM |
| West Africa (WAT) | 9:24 AM |
| Australia Eastern (AEST) | 6:24 PM |
| NH daylight (New York) | ~15 hours 8 minutes |
| NH daylight (London) | ~16 hours 38 minutes |
| Latest sunset (New York) | Approximately June 26–27, 2026 |
| Stonehenge sunrise | Approx. 4:52 AM BST |
| Father’s Day overlap | Yes (US, UK, Canada, Australia) |
| Moon phase | Waxing Crescent (~31%) |
| Planetary highlights | Venus, Jupiter visible in west-northwest after sunset |
| Eclipse | None on this date |
| SH season on this date | Winter solstice |
| NH season starts | Astronomical summer |
| Next solstice (NH winter) | December 21 or 22, 2026 |
| Following summer solstice | Venus and Jupiter are visible in the west-northwest after sunset |
Solstice timing data in this article is sourced from the US Naval Observatory Astronomical Almanac and NASA Solar System Exploration. Daylight duration data is based on latitude-calculated civil twilight figures from the US Naval Observatory. Stonehenge practical guidance references English Heritage official guidance (english-heritage.org.uk).
Scandinavian Midsummer dates reference official Swedish and Finnish public holiday calendars. Wheel of the Year dates reference the standard Neopagan tradition. Inti Raymi information references UNESCO intangible cultural heritage documentation.
